Tutorial: Macro Photography

Taking the picture

Whilst a tripod is important to keep your camera still for the exposure, it is often not enough to give a sharp macro photo.

Pressing the shutter release can move the camera and take the edge off the sharpness of the image. You can overcome this by setting the camera self-timer. This gives a 2 or 10 second delay between the button being pressed and the shutter firing – long enough for any movement to die away.

Nest, You Connect member Dobra Rozsa, Canon EOS 40D

PowerShot G series cameras also have the option of wireless operation using the Remote Switch RS-60E3.

Finally, remember that a static camera will not help if the subject is moving. A flower in the wild might appear stationary to the eye, but in close-up every small movement will be magnified. You can overcome this by erecting a windshield of coloured card or clear plastic around the subject. Photographing flowers indoors on a tabletop overcomes the problem.

Get up close, then show us the results
Now you have read how to take successful macro photos, the next step is to try out what you have learnt for yourself. Enter your favourites and they could feature in to the Gallery next month.